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SINGAPORE: Singapore’s gateway to the skies has been brought back to earth by an upstart in its own backyard.
Often acknowledged as the world's best airport - it swept 25 international awards last year - Changi finds itself in the unfamiliar position of being pipped in the rankings by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
When the Airports Council International (ACI) announced its service quality awards on Tuesday, KLIA came out top in the "15 to 25 million passengers per year" category.
Changi, which handled a record 35 million passengers last year, finished second in the category for bigger airports - those handling under 40 million passengers - behind South Korea's Incheon.
But in the race for the overall prize - Best Airport Worldwide - Incheon finished first, Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok second, KLIA third and Changi fourth.
With 573 members operating more than 1,643 airports, ACI is the global trade organisation for the airport community and its list cannot be scoffed at.
Analysts said that KLIA's achievement comes as a wake-up call to Changi at a time when the chase for tourist dollars is hotting up and several cities are trying to position themselves as air hubs.
As far back as 2004, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had stressed the importance of this when asked about the threat of budget carriers to Singapore Airlines. Mr Lee said then: "My job is to see that Singapore's position as an air hub is not lost. And if budget airlines were to eat up Singapore Airlines' profits but retain Singapore as a hub ... so be it."
Analysts pointed out that while Singapore had set the benchmark with its airport, cities like Dubai and Kuala Lumpur were now copying the template - making it imperative for Changi to move even faster.
The awards measured the performance of various airports based on service quality, facilities and passengers' feedback. In the 2005 survey, Changi had finished second behind Incheon, while KLIA was third.
Determined to turn the tables last year, the Malaysian airport planned its assault on the award systematically.
"There are 28 features in the ACI survey and we had to monitor each feature to ensure that we did not slip behind," said Malaysia Airports Holdings managing director Bashir Ahmad.
"This is a very nice feeling," said Mr Bashir of edging out its southern neighbour in the list. "As you all know, we are always compared to Changi Airport and it's nice to know that we have done very well this particular year."
There was no response from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore by press time.
While aviation analysts said that awards could be subjective, some were surprised by the turnaround. "I thought Changi did quite well last year," aviation consultant Prithpal Singh told TODAY. "In terms of facilities, efficiency and comfort, Changi is second to none."
Last year, the signs were particularly encouraging. More than 7.2 million airline passengers surveyed by London-based market researcher Skytrax helped Changi win its first Skytrax Airport of the Year award. Britain's Business Traveller magazine voted it the best airport for the 19th straight year. Its weekly flights reached a record high of 4,199.
The fact that KLIA has sneaked ahead in this particular survey underlines the constant need for improvement, analysts said.
Even minor things - like shops being understaffed or hiring unhelpful sales staff - could sway perceptions, Mr Singh said. "You cannot ignore this ranking. Basically it shows that we need to put more emphasis on this human aspect," he added.
Just last week, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said in Parliament that the "software" aspects of the "Changi Experience" would be strengthened.
When Terminal 3 opens its doors next year, Changi's handling capacity will rise by about 45 per cent to 67 million passengers a year, he said, adding that the airport "will also continue to provide training for frontline staff to ensure that the highest service standards are maintained".
This was critical as airports sought to attract transit passengers as well as tourist, said Flight International's regional managing editor Nicholas Ionides.
"Airports recognise that they are symbols of a country," he added. "Airport operators put a lot of focus and investment on creating a good impression on travellers."
Mr Peter Harbison, executive chairman of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation, said: "There is a great deal at stake for airports, for their airlines and for the national economy.
"This has been recognised in Singapore by the importance attached to the success of Changi. Its neighbours will continue to be tough competitors, although Changi has set the benchmark in the past." - TODAY/yy
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